This past weekend two Palestinians were killed at checkpoints in the West Bank. There have been many protests and riots around check points lately that lead to the deaths of the two Palestinians killed . It has caused some major tension around the city for the last week. My friend Sara was walking in a neighborhood over from where we live and a group of men started to throw rocks and fireworks. Immediately security and soldiers took action with stun guns until the situation was under control. It reminds all of us of as Sara put it, "How crazy this place can get."
This past week has been filled with school work and getting used to not being on vacation. Everyone is adjusting to real school work and getting back in the swing of things. My classes are great but the more I learn about the conflict the more I think it is insolvable. I have come to the conclusion that this region never went to kindergarten. The concept my mom used to make us use when we were fighting over the last cookie was "You spilt, Mason chooses." Obviously the conflict is much more complicated than that but a little bit of sharing could go a long way. It has rained almost all week which in Israel means no one leaves their house. Since it does not rain often when it does rain everything is cancelled.
This morning the entire city was covered with a layer of snow! Everyone was outside playing in the snow since it has been 4 years since the last time it snowed in Jerusalem. We all walked to a couple neighborhoods looking at the beautiful snow. We found an olive grove that was covered. And then the ambush started. Tons of kids started the epic snowball fight! We were in an Arab neighborhood and even the parents started to come out and join the snowball fight. We were outnumbered on all sides and ended with retreat, hands in the air a full surrender. But it was so fun playing with all the kids. Some things are very universal, like the joy of snowball fights.
We went for an Israeli breakfast at my favorite restaurant in Jerusalem, Kadosh! They only serve dairy products to keep kosher but it was delicious. The Israeli breakfast is made of omelets, olives, all kinds of cheese, different types of breads, marinated mushrooms, eggplant, jams and salads. A huge spread of food which we happily gobbled down after our snowball fight. We sat beside an Israeli family and discussed American politics and the upcoming election. Israeli's are very concerned about the election because American politics effects them probably more than it effects the average American. If a US President decided not to support Israel, Israel would be in major trouble and they know this. The family was great and their daughter got to practice her english. The daughter loved American music especially Lady Gaga. They had bought tickets to see Madonna so as the Mom said, "We could show her who really was the better musician." We stayed all afternoon in the restaurant just soaking up the Israeli lifestyle.
Speaking of Madonna. There is a movement in Israel pressuring the Israeli government to not attack Iran until after the Madonna concert in May. A crazy idea but most Israeli's are more than willing to fight for their country they just want to enjoy Madonna before. Who would of thought Madonna could prevent a war in the Middle East.
The city is gearing up for a peaceful and restful Shabbat in the snow. Although the snow was pretty I am ready for warm weather!
Shabbat Shalom Y'all!
xoxo,
Katy Ann
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